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Paula thinks about a
question she was asked recently.
On Monday morning, I gave a talk to a local book club. It
was a similar talk to several I have done in the past, as I talked about my
writing ‘career’, including the differences between writing in the 1960s and writing
today, and I ended up giving some examples of where my ideas come from.
At the end of previous talks, I’ve had various questions,
ranging from ‘How much research do you have to do?’ to ‘How much do you earn?'
(to which I usually reply, ‘Probably not even as much as J.K. Rowling would
earn for one page of her Harry Potter novels!’)
This time I had a different question. Someone said, “They
say there is a novel in everyone. Do you think anyone can write one?’
I had to think on my feet! In the end I said something like,
“First, you have to want to
write and then you have to make the time to do it, rather than just write when
you happen to have some spare time or feel like writing. It can take a lot of
time and hard work – not just the actual writing, but also the research you
need to do, even for a contemporary novel. You might also have to learn about
plotting, using dialogue, and developing your characters, and I also think you
need to have a good grasp of grammar, punctuation and spelling.”
That’s a summary of my ‘off the cuff’ answer, which I’m
aware (a) might have over-emphasised the time and hard work elements but (b)at
the same time, only covered part of what is involved in writing a novel!
While we were having a cup of tea and cake afterwards,
someone else said to me, “I couldn’t write a novel. I don’t have the
imagination to create a story."
On my way home, I thought about this and realised this
person was probably right. Perhaps the first essential is imagination, closely followed by the need/desire to write.
What do you think? Can
anyone write a novel? And how would you have answered that question?
I think you have to have a passion for it. You have to physically "need" to get the story out of you. And I agree, you have to have imagination. Otherwise, you're really just writing a research paper, which is fine, but isn't a novel.
ReplyDeletePassion is a good way to describe it, Jen. I also think 'needing' to write is more motivating than simply 'wanting' to write.
DeleteI think everyone has enough good stories in them for a novel or a group of great short stories but do I believe that everyone can write one..?Sadly, no. I know people who can't tell a story to save their lives, let alone put one down. I have tried to read many, many bad books in my day.I used to NEVER give up on a book, but now, life is getting shorter and there are more books that deserve my attention. I don't know why or how some books get published but even so, no, not everyone can write a novel.
ReplyDeleteTonette, I actually had lunch today with a friend who is great for brainstorming ideas - and she has good imagination, and a grasp of what motivates characters - but she said herself there was no way she could write it all down.
DeleteOn the other hand, I agree there are stories out there (maybe too many!) written by people who 'think' they can write, but sadly can't!
I agree you need imagination and to want to do it. Given those things and enough time almost anyone could write enough words for a novel.
ReplyDeletePatsy - 'enough words' for a novel is probably true, but I do wonder about the quality of that writing!
DeleteI think the skill set (vocabulary, grammar, awareness of story arc and character development) to write a coherent story is a critical divide. Then it boils down to determination.
ReplyDeleteI agree about the skill set, but I tend to think imagination and 'need to write' are more important.
DeleteThat's certainly a question needed to be answered diplomatically, right?
ReplyDeleteHaving judged numerous contests over the years, I'd have to say, no, not everyone can write a novel. Yes, the idea has to be there, but the technical aspects do too.
However, some of those things can be taught. You can learn to use proper grammar, sentence structure, and all about GMC. After that, the desire element comes into play.
Yikes. I'm not sure how I would have answered. You did some quick thinking on your feet, Paula!
Debra, you are right about the things that can be taught, but even the most technically correct writing doesn't necessarily make for a good story. I do think there are certain aspects of writing that you feel in your gut, rather than know in your mind!
DeleteExcellent post, Paula! And I love your answer. I had a similar discussion with my dental hygienist recently, and she said something very similar to me. Said she lacked the imagination and the need/desire to actually write it.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joanne! Seems to me that imagination and the need/desire to write are the most important things. In a sense, those are the things that can't be learnt, whereas all the other aspects of novel-writing can be learnt (if, of course, writers want to take the time to learn them!)
ReplyDeleteInteresting question. That's sort of like asking, "Can anyone play the piano?" You can sit down and make a noise by putting fingers to keyboard, certainly. It isn't "playing the piano" any more than someone gushing words on paper is "writing a story".
ReplyDeleteBut if the question is, "Can anyone learn to play?" then yes, with the effort and practice and right teachers, anyone can learn to play. That doesn't mean they can become great players, and in the same way putting in the time and effort of learning how to write won't make you a great writer. But yes, anyone can learn how to plot and how to write dialog, etc.
Gerald, that's a very good analogy. Technically, you could learn and practice, and become a 'good pianist' - but unless you have that inner 'feel' for the music, you will never become a great player.
DeleteMainly, I think one needs a vivid imagination and vivid memories. My sisters tell me most of the things I "remember" didn't happen-how do they know? One is younger than I am, and the other one is six years older. We lived in the same house but didn't grow up under the same roof..as the saying goes. But because I have so much in my head, memories from way back, I can also imagine others things they cannot. Thus, I can write novels....and they can't. Also, I have a drive to learn something new and become good at it--bridge, golf, piano, then writing. Neither of them ever have done anything differently. So...no, I don't think everyone can write a novel. Good question!
ReplyDeleteThat's an interesting point about memories, Celia. I don't have any siblings with whom to compare memories, but I do have a lot of vivid memories of my childhood. As for the drive to learn new things, I think I've always challenged myself - and been determined to succeed!
ReplyDeleteI believe everyone has a novel inside them in the sense that each of us is living a life filled with experiences, ups and downs, and a myriad of emotional highs and lows. Everyone perceives their life differently. But can everyone write a novel?--no. A person has to burn to write, work at it like a religion, eat it, drink it, dream it and persist in the face of incredible odds because they can't not write. Not everyone who has a story inside them yearns to tell it enough to be a novelist.
ReplyDeleteSarah - I so agree about the need to write. With me it is an integral part of who I am - but I think my stories come from my imagination, and not from my life experiences.
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